Man killed in west Modesto shooting

Authorities are investigating a homicide after a shooting left a man dead in west Modesto early Tuesday.

Stanislaus County sheriff’s detectives are investigating the death, which occurred in the 600 block of Marshall Avenue, according to Lt. Keith Rackoncza. Deputies responded to the scene at 12:58 a.m.

The neighborhood is south of Maze Boulevard, roughly halfway between Modesto High and Mark Twain Junior High schools.

The victim was declared dead at the scene.

No arrests had been made. Detectives were following leads and collecting evidence, Rakoncza said.

A large group gathered Tuesday afternoon at the home where the shooting occurred, but the people declined to comment.

A neighbor described the victim as a young man he knew only as “Joey.”

The victim had a wife and a small child, said the neighbor, who did not give his name.

“He seemed like a nice guy; he would wave when he saw me,” the neighbor said. He said he was awakened by the sound of gunshots, first one, then four or five more, and then a woman yelling for someone to call the police.

“It was crazy,” he said.

This story was originally published November 4, 2014 at 10:01 AM with the headline "Man killed in west Modesto shooting."